Messages

1

General Discussion / Re: Violent Crime Alert Atlantic Coast Route

« on: May 05, 2009, 10:52:34 am »

This is actually really funny.

The same poster got real paranoid about "crime" in Namibia when there was a post about a planned trip to that African state.

Now, anyone who has ever been to Namibia would be able to tell you that a) the desert country Namibia is as crime ridden as the Pope's front porch, and b) that you can play and manipulate stats to scare the heebiejeebies out of anyone if you'd like to.

I think, after seeing this second post, there's some real issues with perceived crime and stats here.

Hey, the rest of us just get on the bike and start touring.

2

Routes / Re: Great Divide starting point

« on: April 22, 2009, 07:00:44 am »

Thanks, will look into it.

Nokka

3

Routes / Great Divide starting point

« on: April 19, 2009, 08:53:11 am »

What's the easiest way to get to Roosville from JFK airport, New York?

It seems the only flights one can get are to Seattle and Salt Lake City, but then you still have a lot of travelling to do to get to Roosville.

Thanks

Nokka

4

Routes / Re: Namibia

« on: March 30, 2009, 09:38:42 am »

Westinghouse *sigh*

if you're this paranoid about Namibia, then 1) you've clearly never been there, and 2) you shouldn't brave it to cross a road.

Vkalia,

the roads are mostly gravel, but smooth and well often graded. Only the main highways (identified with the B names on a map) between the cities are tarred. But the problem is that they are old roads, thus they are still narrow and often without shoulders. Which means that once a truck comes along from behind, there's no room for both of you.

Knobbly tires would be best, but the fatter the slower and more hard going it would be to bike. I would try and get 2.0's or even narrower. Also, remember to bring 26's and not 700C's. You'll be able to buy fairly good bikes in Windhoek.

Cheers

5

Routes / Re: Namibia

« on: March 22, 2009, 07:46:01 am »

Namibia is as violent a place as the Dalai Lama's study.

You'll have a wonderful time there. Your biggest concern are weather extremes (July is winter time, and in the dry and desert areas it can get pretty cold) and endless gravel roads. But that's part of the adventure of the country, I suppose.

The scenery is beautiful. Think of it as the Alaska of South Africa, though just the opposite weather wise. The population is very low, and the towns few and far spread out. So, plan carefully to stock up on water and food. In their wintertime the easterly winds are prevalent, long and continuous. On gravel roads you'd want to keep that in mind.

Another thing to remember, is that the few tarred highways linking the major towns are 60's built by South Africa, and in true African spirit never since liberalisation rebuilt. Which means the roads are narrow, deteriorating and still without a shoulder to safely bike on.

The landscape though is stunning and the people friendly.

Before I forget, thanks to climate change I presume there's been floods last week in the extreme north east of the Caprivi strip.

Cheers
Nokka